Toyota Urban Utility Concept Shown Ahead of World Maker Faire

Designed to reflect the growing do-it-yourself movement, the Toyota Urban Utility concept or “U 2 ” will officially debut at the World Maker Faire in New York City later this month. The Toyota Urban Utility concept was designed by the automaker’s Calty Design Research center with input from Maker Faire participants and Toyota market research. Toyota says the features of the new U 2 concept “reflect the lifestyle and needs of an entrepreneurial, urban driver.”

Research

“Toyota saw an opportunity for a new approach to an urban vehicle based on increasing re-urbanization of our cities and urban drivers’ desire for flexibility, fun and maneuverability,” said Kevin Hunter president of Calty, Toyota’s North American design studio, in a release.

With an outdoor active lifestyle in mind, the Toyota Urban Utility concept features a flexible and customizable design. The U 2 features fold-up rear seats and a folding and removable front passenger seat. Other customizable features include a retractable utility bar that can hold a desk or grocery bag hooks as well as a utility rail system that can be configured to hold baskets, bike stands, and more. A redesigned shifter design is said to feature a more intuitive gear selection switch. Additionally, interior color and materials can be specified for specific needs.

Outside, the Toyota Urban Utility concept features retractable roof panels and rear glass that slides into the tailgate, which can fold down into a ramp. Side panels are also customizable to owner needs. The underside panel is said to be extremely durable, while the vertical protective ridges on the tailgate are also replaceable.

The Toyota Urban Utility concept will be shown to the public at the New York World Maker Faire on September 20 and 21.